Asia’s Governments Struggle to Crack Down on Virus Rumors
- Thailand and Malaysia detain people for posting falsehoods
- Posts range from traditional cures to conspiracy theories
A man wearing a protective mask looks at a smartphone in Singapore, on Jan. 31.
Photographer: Bloomberg/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Mounting anxiety surrounding the coronavirus epidemic has governments in Asia scrambling to tamp down on social media falsehoods that may fuel fear and lead to a breakdown in security or spread of dubious health information.
With global cases touching 11,945 across as many 23 countries, theories and news -- mostly unverified -- have flourished online across the world. They range from miracle cures and prevention to racist tropes and big pharma conspiracy theories.